BUNK WITH THE BEASTS DEC. 19 & 31 - Our regular Bunk with the Beasts program lights up with holiday cheer. Enjoy the wonders of Zoo Lights at our kids-only bunk on New Year's Eve. Explore how wild animals adapt to winter habitats and then, sleep overnight at the zoo, just like our animal residents. 720-337-1494.

ZOO YEAR'S EVE DEC. 31 - On the brink of a New Year, children also can experience the fun of Zoo Year's Eve, a wild New Year's Eve party that begins at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 with entertainment, activities and crafts that leads up to an early 9 p.m. countdown to the New Year!

Zoo Lights is the largest lighting event in the Rocky Mountain Region and the largest annual event hosted by Denver Zoo. It takes two contracted staff members of the Denver Zoo staff three months to set up the displays and almost the same amount of time and manpower to dismantle the 40 acres of lights.

This year, tickets can be purchased at www.denverzoo.org. Admission to Zoo Lights is $10 for adults (12-64), $6 for children (3-11), $8 for senior citizens (65+), children 2 and under are admitted free. Members get a $2 discount on all tickets. For more information on Zoo Lights, please call Denver Zoo at 720-337-1612.

Don't forget to bring a can of non-perishable food for 9Cares Colorado Shares and get $1 off admission.